Apple introduces updated $599 Mac mini featuring M4 and M4 Pro chips
As anticipated, Apple has officially unveiled its latest Mac mini, now equipped with the M4 and M4 Pro processors. This new iteration of the Mac mini measures just 5 by 5 inches, making it less than half the footprint of its predecessor. Thanks to the advanced efficiency of Apple’s silicon architecture and a redesigned thermal setup, the company has succeeded in delivering such a robust system within a remarkably compact form.
The M4 version of the Mac mini boasts a powerful 10-core CPU alongside a 10-core GPU, starting with 16GB of unified memory. In contrast, the M4 Pro variant enhances performance with up to 14 cores, combining ten performance cores and four efficiency cores, plus an impressive 20-core GPU. This leap in processing power introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing to the Mac mini for the first time.
Additionally, the Neural Engine has received a significant upgrade, now featuring 16 cores to enhance capabilities for Apple Intelligence. The M4 Pro variant supports an expansive 64GB of unified memory along with a remarkable memory bandwidth of 273GB/s. Plus, the inclusion of Thunderbolt 5 allows for data transfer speeds up to 120 Gb/s, greatly surpassing the maximum speed of Thunderbolt 4.
The latest Mac mini has two USB-C ports on the front that are compatible with USB 3, as well as an audio jack suitable for high-impedance headphones. The M4 model includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the M4 Pro features three Thunderbolt 5 ports.
Standard on the new Mac mini is Gigabit Ethernet with support for up to 10Gb Ethernet and an HDMI port. The M4 version can handle two 6K displays and one 5K display, while the M4 Pro can support three 6K displays at 60Hz.
Pre-orders for the new Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro options are now available in 28 countries and regions, with shipping set to begin on Friday, November 8th. Pricing starts at $599 for the M4 version and $499 for educational purchasers, while the M4 Pro begins at $1,399 and $1,299 for education.
If you opt for the M4 Pro configuration featuring a 12-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, an 8TB SSD, 64GB of unified memory, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the total cost could reach an astonishing $4,699 before taxes. At this price point, you may want to consider a Mac Studio with comparable specifications.
With its stellar performance and adaptable connectivity options, the new Mac mini is set to be a favored choice for both casual users and professionals alike.
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